Welcome back to our ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we chat to HILS team members to see what they get up to in a typical day and the impact their efforts have on clients across our services.
This month we are looking our Stock Controllers, a hugely important part of making our meals service run smoothly.
Meet Helen..…
I’ve proudly been part of the family here for over 11 years. Beginning working for apetito when they offered the meals on wheels provision, then going on to working with HILS when they took over in 2023. Starting as a driver delivering meals to our amazing customers, I’ve grown into my current role as the Stock Controller for Hampshire.
It’s a rewarding role, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes to support our vital meal delivery services. If it needs ordering—whether it’s frozen food, van supplies, or tea pack items—I make sure it’s done. Here’s a glimpse into my day.
How I start my day
I begin each morning by gathering information to place the next set of orders. Using our computer systems I double-check everything to ensure accuracy. When deliveries arrive, I carefully check them off, submitting claims for any missing items to protect our budget. I know how important every penny is when it comes to a not for profit organisation such as HILS, so I ensure that there is no wastage, meaning that more can go back towards improving the service to our clients.
Keeping stock in order
Maintaining clean, organised stock areas is a big part of my role as a Stock Controller. I work in the main freezer, which can be a little chilly so I always layer up with the thermal jackets and gloves! I ensure all stock is properly rotated and neatly placed. A tidy freezer helps both drivers and me—it makes picking orders and planning stock much simpler. Where we deliver such vast amounts of food daily, keeping it all in order is so important.
Planning and preparing deliveries
When planning orders, I always check back-stock first to minimise waste. The last thing I want to do is to order in a tray of sausage and mash for example when there are already three trays in back-stock. This is not only a waste of money, but also a waste of precious freezer space. At the end of each month I carry out a stock check, just to make sure we are being as efficient as possible.
On delivery days (Mondays and Thursdays), I handle up to 10 cages of frozen food, ensuring everything is checked and sorted correctly. For teatime packs, I manage weekly orders from our suppliers, adjusting quantities as needed based on demand. I do love the range of food we offer, whether its from the main meals on wheels service menu or our tea pack menu, there’s always a lot to arrange and organise!
Supporting our team and customers
Once our drivers head out, I start picking food for the next day’s deliveries. Hampshire has three satellite locations, and I make sure the team has the right stock ready to serve our customers. Its so important that I pick the right items, as we cater to so many different dietary needs and different preferences, I don’t want to risk sending food for someone that they are allergic to. I also monitor items such as uniforms and cleaning materials, ordering as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
Learning and Growing with HILS
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in this role is learning new skills. I’ve become confident using our various computer systems to review client menus and dietary needs, ensuring our customers receive meals tailored to their preferences. Even my grandkids are amazed at how tech-savvy I’ve become!
Why HILS Matters to Me
Working with HILS means being part of something bigger. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about supporting vulnerable people with nutritious meals and care. Every task I do contributes to making someone’s day a little brighter, and I’m so proud to be part of this incredible team.
Are you interested in joining the HILS family? Check out our current vacancies, where you can see our vacancies across Hertfordshire, Hampshire and West Sussex. We’d love to hear from you.
